Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-02-26
7Ee,norl,,g BuilGing 10 Columbus.


10 the editor of The AleraadriG Gazette
In connection with the contemplated cele-
bration of the four hundredih anniversary
OF tho discovery Of America By Christopher
Columbus I would suggest, for the oonsid-
Grafton of the authorities who shall have
the details of that important matter in
charge, the erection of permanent memo
rial building in the city OF Washington,
which in point of dimensions and architect.
urai design should be prominent among the
other public buildings Of our national capi-
tai. Net being either an artist Or 6 designer
myself, have no designs 10 offer for exte
riOr appearance and establishment, which
obviously should bo historically appropriate
anti suggestive and could be best determined
upon by competitive proposals OF competent
designers enG builders. The structure
should be large enough 70 admit of interior
space sufficiently ample for the exhibition of
fac similo models, as nearly as could be ar
rived at by reference TO old prints, pictures
aud descriptions of the size and appearance
OF the famous vessels OF the great discover,
the Santa Nara, the Pinta, and the Nina,
with etliges OF the admiral and his men,
and particularly, the grouping of that I'M
pressive scene Of humiliation CT the multi
neers at the moment Of the anxiously await
ed discovery, with which, through the his.
torisn aud tho artist We are eli familiar
The walls to be hung with portraits of the
discoverer, of Ferdinand and Isabella, and
adorned with copies of all known
paintings, epsravirgs, ,etchings, maps, charts,
charters, orders, letters, medals, autographs.
coins. elobes, busts statuary, arms, banners,
flags and any c. her existing objects connect
ed with, or illustrative Or descriptive in any
way Of the great enterprise. Wherever
such interesting objects may exist. whether
in private collections Or in national arch
ives and museums, we may assume that
every facility would be afforded our govern
ment for obtaining copies Of them, and it
might be that inmany Instances loans of the
origi pals could be secured for the time of
of the celebration. Italy snd Spain parlic.
uiar.y, the one having given the admiral
birth and the other the needed assistance
Tor bis great venture, would, doubt not,
heartily cooperate with us to make Il vast
and imposing array OF inemantoes. The
collection might embrace aboriginal relics
in Drolusion of every known variety and
use, such as stone spear and arrow heads,
axes, maize mills, pottery and cTania. The
ceilings to be frescoed with paint
ings OF rich tropical vegetation
The unoccupied panelings Of tine walls to
he filed with representations Of native birds
and animals and any other appropriate OBJ
jsc;s of general interest. The foregoing
suggestions are but & faint outlining OF such
a memorial building as the merits OF the
great discoverer deserves and as a great
and sppreciative uaton ought to give.
Then let Congress promptly make al ad-
eouato appropriation cut Of the surplus
moneys Of The national treasury, over which
there is SO much contention, for the inaugu
ration OF the important work, and then let
private enterprise come up and carry it to &
successful completion.
The writer believes that ii a memorial
building as above described could be erect
ed, that not ouly during the time of the an
niversary celebration, but at all times, no
place among all the many attractive ones of
The national capital would he more inter.
estiug and attractive w. H. SNowDEN.
FGirEaz CO., Va.